BTC to XMR: Step by Step

Converting Bitcoin to Monero

Some situations require you to go from BTC to XMR. Maybe the exchange you use does not list Monero directly, or maybe you already hold Bitcoin and want to convert before paying a vendor. Here is how.

Why convert
Bitcoin is traceable. Every transaction lives on a public blockchain forever. Monero hides the sender, receiver and amount by default. Converting BTC to XMR before making a payment adds a layer of privacy that Bitcoin alone does not provide.

Step by step

1. Make sure you have a Monero wallet set up and ready to receive. See the crypto basics thread if you need help with this.
   
2. Go to a swap service. Popular options include Trocador, ChangeNow or MorphToken. These do not require accounts for most swap sizes.
   
3. Select BTC as the source currency and XMR as the destination.
   
4. Enter your Monero wallet address as the receiving address.
   
5. The service will show you a BTC deposit address. Send your Bitcoin there from your personal wallet (not from an exchange).
   
6. Wait for confirmations. BTC usually needs 1 to 3 confirmations before the swap starts. The whole process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on network congestion.
   
7. Once complete, your XMR appears in your Monero wallet.
   

Where people slip up

• Sending BTC from an exchange instead of a personal wallet. The exchange sees the swap service address and may flag or freeze your account.
  
• Using the wrong network or address format. Double check everything.
  
• Expecting instant results. Blockchain confirmations take time. Be patient.
  
• Forgetting fees. The swap service takes a percentage, and both networks charge transaction fees. Factor this in when deciding how much to send.
  

If the swap seems stuck, check the service's status page or support. Most have a transaction tracker you can follow.